The Pluri-thematic Laboratory of Advanced Diagnostics is capable of obtaining information on the morphology and composition on various types of materials in various stages of preservation, thanks to the advanced instruments with which it is outfitted. The SQUID magnetic scanning microscope, for example, is only the fourth installed worldwide, and the first in Europe. It is a highly innovative instrument on which in-depth study is being carried out internationally in all possible sectors of application.

Radiocarbon dating systems: INNOVA has created an advanced research structure, the CIRCE - Center for Isotopic Research on the Cultural and Environmental Heritage, whose keystone is its Ultra-Sensitive Mass Spectrometry System based on a Tandem accelerator of 3 MV at the terminal, used to detect the presence of isotopes of uranium and plutonium in the subsoil, together with the IRMS analysis technique. The great advantage of using the ultra-sensitive mass accelerator is that measurements can be made without ruining or, worse yet, destroying the specimen, drawing on only a few milligrams of the material of which it is made.

Analysis of deteriorated and scarcely represented DNA: Today it is possible to analyse damaged or scarcely represented DNA, thanks to the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technique, which results in a precise, exponential increase in the number of copies of the DNA fragment being studied, even starting from just a single molecule. This technique is usually applied to DNA extracted from fossils for paleontological, historical and genetic studies. This experience and know-how have allowed INNOVA to apply the methods developed to other sectors where it is necessary to work with damaged Dna. They are applied to the food and farming sector, for example, to guarantee the quality and safety of foodstuffs, such as meat, or to control threshold values for GMOs, as well as to forensic medicine and the tanning industry.

INNOVA’s strength lies in having created a network of excellence of integrated competences (human resources and instrumentation) in the field of applied research in Cultural and Environmental Heritage, in the high level of innovation of its output and in the integrated systems offered that, with regards to the wide range of applications of the products and services supplied, are hardly rivalled domestically or internationally.

INNOVA’s services are a benchmark for all Cultural and Environmental Heritage sector operators, including those that presently manage technology developed by third parties.

The Competence Centre performs assistance work for the development of technological innovations, guaranteeing a direct link to the economic fabric and in particular to SMEs and external organizations interested in integrating the results of the research developed, in maximising the use of the products of the research carried out and in the transfer of new target or cross-sectional technologies.

INNOVA backs enterprises interested in the field of research and technological transfer, identifying possible cross-sectional applications of its integrated services.

INNOVA puts together, integrates and strengthens groups made from more than 320 researchers in all the technico-scientific fields involved in the development and transfer of innovations in Cultural and Environmental Heritage.

The beneficiaries of INNOVA’s activities are: Local Bodies, Supervisory Bodies, Museums, Regional and National Parks, Enterprises involved in the field of research and technological transfer in Cultural and Environmental Heritage.

ANCE – AFM Edilizia; University of Florence; INGV; SITARC; University of Rome La Sapienza; University of Siena; University of Palermo; University of Trento; University of Pisa; University of Calabria; Universidad del Pais Vasco Spain; Gesarke Spain; GEA ARQUEÓLOGOS Spain; ÁREA S.COOP. MAD Spain; ONDARE BABESA SL Spain; Mondadori Electa S.p.A.; PSAE Supervisory Body of Calabria; Municipality Monte Procida; Municipality of Cave; University of Perugia; Regional Administration for Cultural and Environmental Heritage of Basilicata; SUDGEST; INFN; SiReNA; CNA; Supervisory Body for Archeological Heritage of Salerno, Avellino, Benevento; Geokarst Eng.; Municipality of San Giorgio a Cremano; Municipality of Modena; Monti Picentini Mountain Community; IRIDE; Cilento Vallo di Diano National Park; Regional Administration for Cultural and Environmental Heritage of Campania; Compagnia di San Paolo Art Foundation; Bagnolifutura S.p.A; ICVB.